Fostering in Scotland with Barnardo's: How you can make a difference
“The fact they never gave up on me has meant everything.”
Lesley and Michael have been fostering with children’s charity Barnardo’s for eight years, opening their home and their hearts to young people in Scotland who need a safe and stable place to call home.
Now, they’re sharing their story in the hope of encouraging more people to consider fostering.
How it Started
Lesley has always had a heart for helping others. She began her career as a nurse and later worked with those experiencing homelessness – a role she loved because she could see real transformation in people’s lives.
One day, a colleague who was also a foster carer said something that stuck: “Lesley, you’d be amazing at fostering.”
Michael’s journey was different but just as inspiring. He worked in supported accommodation for children, a role he still holds today. It was there he met Ewan, a young boy who often struggled to settle at night. During quiet shifts, Michael would sit and talk with him, sometimes for five minutes, sometimes much longer. Those small moments of connection meant a great deal to Ewan, who often felt isolated.
Together, Lesley and Michael took the next step to foster, hoping to support young people like Ewan. When they reached out to their local Barnardo’s team, a social worker visited, talked them through the journey ahead, and reassured them that they would be supported every step of the way. It’s a decision they’ve never once looked back on.
Life Today
Five years ago, by complete chance, Ewan was matched with Lesley and Michael and came into their home. From the moment they met him, they knew fostering would change both their lives and Ewan’s.
“It’s wonderful to have a family who truly cares for me,” Ewan says softly. “I’ve come a long way from a difficult situation; from a place I didn’t feel happy and placed into a residential home at seven years old. Now, being with a loving family feels truly amazing.”
Today, Ewan enjoys many of the things young people often take for granted – friendships, school life, a stable home, and even the freedom to work part-time and join games clubs.
He often thinks about what his life might have looked like had he stayed in residential care, and feels so grateful for what family life has given him.
Lesley smiles when she talks about the small moments that make their family unique.
“Someone once told Ewan he reminded them of a giraffe, and now every Christmas he gets a giraffe as a gift. It’s little things like that that make family life special.”
Support Every Step of the Way
The early days weren’t always easy. “When Ewan first joined our family, he struggled to adapt and often felt frustrated unable to express his emotion,” Lesley recalls. “Like any family, there are ups and downs, but we’re never alone.”
Barnardo’s support has been crucial. “Our social worker often reminds us she’d worry if everything seemed perfect, because real life isn’t like that!”
Michael adds. “It’s reassuring to know help is always there.”
From ongoing training to 24/7 support, they feel part of a wider community of foster carers and professionals all working toward the same goal: helping children feel safe and cared for. “It feels like being part of a bigger family,” they say.
Reflecting on his journey, Ewan adds “Looking back now, I realise I made situations harder sometimes, but the fact you never gave up on me – that has meant everything.”
Advice to Others
“You really need to listen to the child, put yourself in their shoes and try to understand what they’ve been through,” says Lesley.
“Take it one day at a time. Talk things through, work it out together, and remember you’ll always have Barnardo’s there to support you.”
“And ask questions, lots of them,” adds Michael. “The more information you have, the more confident you’ll feel. Even now, when we ask questions, our social worker might not have the answer straight away, but she always gets back to us.”
The couple sum up fostering perfectly: “Seeing them happy, settled, and progressing in life is rewarding, it shows the positive impact of being part of a family. The difference you can make to a young person’s life is incredible.”
Thinking About Fostering? Let’s Talk Today.
If Lesley and Michael’s story has made you wonder whether fostering might be right for you, you may be more ready than you think.
By joining Barnardo’s, you’ll be part of a children’s charity that has been supporting children for over 150 years. We’re with you every step of the way, offering tailored support, a competitive financial allowance, expert training, and a welcoming community of like-minded carers.
If you’re curious about fostering, get in touch with your local fostering team for a friendly, no-pressure chat.
Visit barnardos.org.uk/foster to learn more.